Brad Lyons: Morecambe loan is my time to shine or face end to my English football dream

Such are the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune says the Ballymoney man, who is desperate to stay in England having been signed by Rovers two and a half years ago.

He was sent off on his debut when he went on loan to St Mirren, suffered injuries last season at Blackburn, then Covid-19 arrived to make the challenge even harder.

"They say it's easy to get over to England or Scotland but tougher to stay," Lyons told Sunday Life Sport. "So I want to give it my all and grab the opportunity with both hands.

"From now until the end of the season is my time to impress. I was training with the first team at Blackburn and made the squad for match day, but I was just unfortunate in that there is so much competition at Blackburn, particularly in midfield.

"Corry Evans is one of those players I am competing with, even though he has had a lot of injuries this season.

"I get on very well with Corry, he has helped me a lot. If I have any problems, I go to him and we are great friends.

"I have given it everything I have and thankfully the gaffer (Tony Mowbray) knows that. It's one of those things, that's football.

"I scored in a few games for the Under-23s, I was playing and scoring regularly. I spoke to (Morecambe manager) Derek Adams and he was keen to take me on board, I liked what I heard because our goals were the same.

"Unfortunately, Covid couldn't have come back at a worse time for me as I have had to isolate this week and have missed three games.

"These things are sent to test you and I will come back stronger. You can't let these setbacks affect you."

Always keen to turn a negative into a positive - for want of a better expression amid the Covid-dominated landscape - Lyons reflected on lockdown last year when he used the time to work on his fitness for the resumption of football.

"It was probably a massive incentive for me because it was a chance for me to get my head down and work hard to get my rehabilitation sorted and my fitness up to speed," he said.

"I never worked as hard in my life, and I've never been as fit in my life. You have to get used to the full-time game over here and it takes time for the body to get up to speed.

"I worked harder and smarter last year on aspects of my game I thought required improvement.

"I don't know what the future holds, but I don't like to look too far ahead because I have learned that you cannot rely on anything in sport - who knows what is around the corner?

"I want to get my head down and play more games for Morecambe, and hopefully get to the Play-Offs. I want to deliver."

Sunday Life